Elliot Perry

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Elliot Perry showcases African-American art in Grizzlies players lounge exhibit

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that Chairman and Owner Robert Pera has appointed Memphis native Elliot Perry as Alternate Governor to the NBA’s Board of Governors.

Since retiring from professional basketball, Perry has committed his life to making a difference in the Memphis Community. Perry is a member of the Grizzlies local ownership group and serves on the board of seven organizations throughout the City of Memphis including Teach for America (TFA), Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM), New Hope Christian Academy and the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM). He also works with the Poplar Foundation as their Community Advisor, focusing on educational opportunities for youth and families in Memphis.

Perry’s passion for helping youth through education and mentorship is also reflected in his work with the Grizzlies Foundation. As Chairman of the Grizzlies Foundation Board, among other responsibilities, Perry works closely with students at Grizzlies Prep, the only charter middle school in the nation branded by a NBA team that serves more than 300 young men in grades 5-8. Since opening in July 2012, Grizzlies Prep has focused on accelerated reading, writing, science and mathematics programs, preparing young men for high school, college and their future careers. The school ranks in the top 5% of middle schools in the state of Tennessee, working with students who arrive predominantly with below grade level skills in various school subjects.

Each week, Perry meets with students at the school, acting as a mentor, building trust and relationships all in an effort to carry out the school’s mission: to develop and grow scholars academically, socially and emotionally. With core values of responsibility, integrity, courage, commitment, grit and excellence, Grizzlies Prep teaches scholars the meaning of these values and the importance of applying them to their daily lives.

 A graduate of Treadwell High School, Perry started every game in his four-year collegiate career with his hometown Memphis State Tigers and led his team to two NCAA Tournament berths, including a second round appearance in 1987, before graduating with a degree in marketing. Drafted in the second round (37th overall) of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer played 10 seasons in the NBA for seven different teams, including a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in his final season (2001-02).

For more information on the Memphis Grizzlies, visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@memgrizz).

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Elliot Perry named Memphis Grizzlies’ Alternate Governor for the NBA Board of Governors

As the Big Dance is about to dominate the sporting landscape, it reminds me that Memphis State Tigers’ fans embraced MADNESS in March long before the Big Dance was ever conceived.

I grew up knowing Memphis basketball to be a religion (so to speak), and on Saturday afternoons or nights, I, along with family and friends, gathered in one room (as faithful disciples do) and went to the "Church of Memphis State Basketball". I watched (as my recruitment proceeded) and heard the "Reverend Dana Kirk" and his "Associate Pastor Larry Finch" deliver some of the best sermons to their congregation and lead the likes of Keith Lee, Andre Turner, William Bedford, Vincent Askew, Baskerville Holmes, John Wilfong, Dwight Boyd and others to the Final Four in 1984-85.

Years earlier, as I started to ascend as a young "pip squeak" growing up in North Memphis, my mentor and dear friend Michael Toney not only helped me gain confidence in myself personally and in the classroom, but he carefully set me up to be "baptized" in basketball by some of those same players I had grown up watching and admiring. Great players like Andre Turner, Curtis Hollowell, Steve Mitchell, Larry Simpson, and Kenny Green had given me nightmares on the court and yet encouragement off the court.

When I graduated from Treadwell High School in 1987, I didn't have to rely on some in or out of state national ranking or any AAU team to validate me as a player. I had earned my stripes through basketball "baptism" and came out of the water all the better (a better player, a better person, a better citizen).

Memphis is not a place you can "shuck and jive" the fans; this city is downright gritty and knowledgeable when it comes to their basketball and the players who have worn the Memphis State/University of Memphis...(Hell, worn Memphis anything) across their chest. When it came time to step on the court at the Mid- South Coliseum, I was a nervous wreck. I was also filled with the anticipation of hopefully becoming an elder in the church and getting my name called on the roster of great players who have served and made history in some way. Would my name be next to Win Wilfong, Larry Finch, Ronnie Robinson, Keith Lee, and later Penny Hardaway? I couldn't have told you at that time, but one thing I did know was that I was committed to giving every ounce of talent I had to my school, teammates, fans, and the city of Memphis. I had no choice, for they had embraced me throughout my high school years.

My experience as a Tiger was the best time of my life for several reasons:

I now realize that college basketball was the purest and most rewarding competition in my life, a time where I not only was challenged on the court, but in the classroom as well. As much as I was playing to make it to the NCAA tournament, I was also trying to leverage my opportunity to walk across that stage on graduation day. I loved the thought of not giving in to the "stereotype" of just another basketball player or not letting basketball use me, but instead, using it to set me on another path beyond athletics.

Now, as we approach the Big Dance, my emotions are running in three directions. First, I'm very grateful to have participated in post season play for my beloved Tigers. Secondly,  what a treat it was to have watched and cheered for Penny Hardaway, Chris Garner, Cedric Henderson, David Vaughn, Lorenzen Wright, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Derrick Rose, Joey Dorsey, Joe Jackson, Will Barton, and Tarik Black as they represented Memphis in the tournament. The third is a more selfish emotion - "Lawd" I wish I could play in the tournament again - the most exciting tournament in the world, just for the love of the game, and do it while competing for the school I love.

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Memphis State, March, and the Madness of Our Fans

admin

Former NBA point guard and current Grizzlies broadcaster Elliot Perry joins Michael Wallace for the Grind City GetUp podcast, previewing the Starting 5 storylines for tonight's game against the Sixers.

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The Grind City Getup - 11/23/16

Michael Wallace talks about his starting five story lines for tonight's matchup against the Utah Jazz.

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The Grind City Getup - 11/14/16

Listen to the Grind City Getup podcast featuring Michael Wallace and Elliot Perry as they discuss the state of the team and players speaking out about political and social issues.

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The Grind City Getup - 11/11/16

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Z-Bo & Elliot Perry host dinner at Carver High Pt. 2

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Z-Bo & Elliot Perry host dinner at Carver High

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